I have heard so many differing opinions about the Road to Hana. Everything from “It’s not worth it. I don’t want to be in the car for that long,” to “You haven’t experienced Maui if you don’t do the R2H.” And then,”You don’t have to go all the way to Hana – it’s about the journey,” to “If you don’t go past Hana, have you really seen the best of it?”
So what’s the big deal? Friends, if you think this is a touristy thing to do, just don’t buy the t-shirt. This is one of the reasons we fell so hard in love with Maui. I’m looking forward to future trips where we come and stay for long periods of time IN Hana because it’s there where we feel completely reset.
For this post, I’m including EVERYTHING we love. It’s good to note that this is not everything there is on the R2H, though! I will [*] the activities you can include in a one-day journey. First let’s get some things out of the way.
What to Pack
- R2H CD.
- Environmentally friendly bug spray. Here’s my favorite.
- Towels.
- Cash
- Water Shoes. Something like this or this will work fine.
- An offline playlist [for the trip back]
- Waterproof phone case
- Camera
- Water/car snacks
- Car charger for your phone
- Dry Bag Backpack: This works great!
A Note about the Mile Markers
The Road to Hana officially beings at MM1 once you’re past Paia by about 8 miles.
A Note about Safety along the R2H
We have never personally experienced break-ins, but we have seen other people who have. Use basic wisdom. Put everything in the trunk. Lock your car doors. Roll your windows up. And as for a note about medical safety, all of these locations are in the wild. This isn’t a theme park with safety precautions, control centers, and lifeguards or first aid kits. Not to mention, there isn’t a way to get an ambulance 3 miles into the jungle. Be safe and use sober judgement.
Let’s get started!
*Paia Town
The Road to Hana starts in Paia. A funky hippie town with a lot to offer. But since you have a long drive ahead of you, you want to stop here for a quick breakfast and to fill up your gas tank. I’d suggest breakfast at Paia Bay Coffee & Bar since it opens at 7am and has more than coffee. Don’t worry about being really full – we have lots of places to stop along the way with food options. Some websites will recommend packing a picnic, but I suggest relying on the places in front of your drive for food for the day! So many good options. The only food we bring is a huge bag of Maui Style potato chips…
MORE TO DO IN PAIA [coming soon!]
Ho’okipa Lookout, just before MM9 BEFORE the reset
I love stoping here on the way back from Hana if we do an in and out day trip. Great sunsets! But the main reason to stop here is to watch the watermen do their thing! Surfers, yes, but this is a world famous location for windsurfing.
Jaws, between MM 13 and 14 BEFORE the reset
This is the closest I’ve been to scoping out a secret surf spot. Once you make the left turn, the road down is 2 mile bumpy, pothole-y, red dirt road. I would not suggest this if there has been rain, and maybe even without 4wd. Anyway, I’ve been once went the swell was big, but not big enough for people to be out surfing. I mention it for its cool factor, but if you’re not into surfing or you thing all waves look the same, skip this spot.
*Twin Falls, just after MM 2
Hard to miss, this spot is a great way to begin your adventures. Twin Falls is low risk, high reward. There is a fruit stand and an open gate entrance to walk through as you begin. It feels a bit touristy, but hang in there. This hike is more of a walk. There is no incline, maybe a 20 minute walk. There are port-a-potties, but I would not suggest breaching those doors. Much nicer, cleaner bathrooms further down the road.
As the name would suggest, there are actually two waterfalls. I’m not sure if ONE of the falls is called Twin Falls, or if the two together are Twin Falls. But the name discrepancy won’t stop you from having fun. The first is a short/steep little hike down. In the past, it was the only one open to the public, but after our January 2018 trip, the other waterfall has been reopened “at your own risk.” The second waterfall is a longer walk away, but worth it! You can easily stand behind this one, swim, with relatively little danger besides slipping on the wet rocks. Enjoy!
*Bamboo Hike, just before MM 7
Or, as we like to call it, “The Quest.” This hike begins by slipping into a bamboo forest, crossing a deep irrigation ditch via a plank, crossing a stream… it will make an adventurer out of everyone.
But as whimsical as that sounds, don’t take it lightly. The 5 beautiful waterfalls are not what make this “quest” incredible. It’s the forest. Its the stream crossing. It’s the “you have to jump in, and swim 25 yards to a waterfall, and then climb up.” In and out, at a moving pace, it takes 2.5 hours. Give yourself enough time, don’t enter the forest without checking the weather report, and be careful! This hike is located on private property, and I advise you to make yourself fully aware of the risks.
If you’re doing the R2H as a day trip, don’t go all the way to the last waterfall. It will tire you out and eat up a lot of your time.
Ke’anae Peninsula, MM 16
With a left turn that approaches quickly, you can find yourself at this scenic piece of Maui shoreline. It’s a great stop for sight seeing as well as the practical [food and bathrooms]. Maybe grab some Banana Bread from Aunt Sandy’s, walk around the Congregational Church grounds, and watch a few waves roll in from the vast pacific. No need to spend a lot of time here; there is much more to see ahead!
*Halfway to Hana, MM 17
Chad and I are partial to this stop [and for no particular reason]. Between the two of us, we typically get 2 hot dogs, 2 banana breads, a chunk of pineapple, and some POG juice. Fuel for the road…
*3 Bears, MM 19.5
Beneath one of the 59 bridges on the Road to Hana is my personal favorite waterfall. I think most people stop at the falls and take a photo of it from the side of the road. However, you can climb down the side of the bridge and find a steep, but safe, path to the falls. Sit on the rocks and feel the wind from the rushing water and then go for a swim.
*Waianapanapa State Park, MM 32
It’s hard to imagine our vacations to Maui without this place. Once you turn off to enter the park, you’ll notice unmanned fruit stands. Get some – just for a beach snack. Pull into the lot, park, and enjoy this park. Much has changed since our first time here [freshwater caves RIP], but that being said, there is still a lot to explore!
If you’re doing a day trip, this might be where you’d like to turn around and head home. But don’t forget to stop at Hookipa!
Hana
Let’s say you keep going. I’m proud of you. Although we’ve done plenty of day trips, THIS to us is the way to go. Drive all the way around or stay the night in Hana. Because there is much to explore, I’ll create another post just dedicated to Hana. Below is where we stay overnight: Hana Kai. They do have wifi, but no TV or AC. You don’t need either, though.
Red Sand Beach
You’re in for a treat if you hang around for this. There are plenty of recourses out there telling you how to get there, so I’ll just leave you with these photos and a few tips. 1. This is a clothing optional beach. Most people are clothed, but every once in a while you’ll get a rogue sunbather. 2. Bring your snorkel equipment. The consistency of the sand makes this an IDEAL place for clear, crisp fish viewing. 3. Enjoy this spot, you guys. It’s one of the more magical places you’ll see in your lifetime.
Seven Sacred Pools
This is part of Haleakala National Park, so your ticket from Haleakala at Sunrise is good for this park as well if you go within 3 days! In addition to the Pools of ‘Ohio, there is a longer hike. We’ve done it, but when you get to the end, it’s just one big waterfall you can’t swim in. We opt for the more interactive of the two. BUT it’s a good, challenging hike to do if you like that kinda thing!
Like many places along the Road to Hana, this location is under constant change depending on deaths, mudslides, and rockfalls. Changes to where you’re allowed to explore happen all the time. Sometimes you can just see the pools from he lookout, and sometimes you can swim in them. If the pools are open, hike to the top pool and have it all to yourself! SO. FUN.
…And Beyond…
Or as I accidentally called it, “Hana’s Backside.” Take a left our of the Seven Sacred Pools and get prepared. The road gets skinny and turns to dirt and gravel for a few miles. But just when you think you can’t take it anymore, it’s perfectly paved. Thank you, Lord for pavers. I believe the only time to drive this is at sunset. The light shapes the landscape into an impressionist era painting. Pull over a take it in. Once the sun dips, you’re on your way home and there not much to do now but enjoy the rest of the light and wait for your GPS to turn back on.
If you haven’t figured it out, we’re in the camp of YOU HAVE TO DO THE ROAD TO HANA! It’s part of what makes Maui so unique, and after all, “Maui No Ka Oi.”
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